Messi should be in PSG squad for Man City game, says Pochettino

The Argentine forward missed two Ligue 1 games with a bruised knee but did not appear to be struggling with the injury on Monday morning.

Published : Sep 27, 2021 20:22 IST , Paris

Lionel Messi is expected to play in Paris St Germain's Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday after taking part in a training session.

The Argentine forward missed two Ligue 1 games with a bruised knee but did not appear to be struggling with the injury on Monday morning.

"We will confirm the starting 11 tomorrow," coach Mauricio Pochettino told a news conference when asked about Messi ahead of the Group A clash at the Parc des Princes.

"But I think he will be in the squad."

Pochettino added that Messi, who joined the French club on a two-year contract from Barcelona, would need time to adjust in Paris.

"He did 20 years in Barcelona, it's normal he felt at home there and here, everything is new for him. He did not arrive a long time ago," the Argentine said.

READ |

Pochettino also confirmed that Marco Verratti would probably be involved after the Italy midfielder missed four games with a knee injury.

"He trained well the last few days and we think he will be able to be in the squad," he said.

PSG was knocked out in the UCL semifinals last season by City, a club that is "ahead" of the capital side, Pochettino conceded.

"It's a fact, not an opinion, that we are a team in construction. City have been under the best coach in the world in my opinion with Pep Guardiola," he said.

"It's a matter of time but also, let's face it, of investment."

In that department, PSG has nothing to envy City for after spending well over a billion euros on transfers since Qatar Sport Investment took over the club in 2011.

On the field, the side needs to be more efficient, midfielder Ander Herrera said.

"We work everyday to get better. We need to be more efficient than last season," the Spaniard, who has been in good form this season, told a news conference.

"Against a team like them, we have to go for the kill when we have chances."

PSG has one point after its 1-1 draw at Club Brugge, two behind City which hammered RB Leipzig 6-3 in the opening round of matches.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment